Curriculum

Key Stage 1 and 2

Key Stage 1 and 2 is for children aged between five and eleven years. The children are taught in small class groups of no more than twelve children, and are supported by a teacher and three learning support assistants. The other staff who help the Key Stage 1 and 2 children are the speech therapists and the speech and language communication support workers, the school doctor and the school nurse.

The children work from the National Curriculum, though the work is broken down into small achievable steps. The children are able to benefit from our soft play and sensory area, as well as swimming lessons each week and tuition in the music room.

Communication plays a great part in the Key Stage 1 and 2 curriculum. The school staff work closely with the speech and language therapists. The speech and language therapists assess the needs of all the pupils entering the school and work with them in the classrooms, in small groups and individually. The speech and language team also work with the school staff to help the children communicate and understand through the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) and the sign language, makaton.

We believe in working together to support the children, regularly hosting a parent / carers support group, where teachers, support staff, the speech therapist and parents / carers come together to discuss areas of interest. Guest speakers are invited to these meetings. The Governors work closely with parent / carer representatives and the school to organise social events for parents and carers.

We have a strong inclusion programme with Rosendale Primary School, which is located next door. Children from Key Stage 2 join in classes and attend events at Rosendale.

The pupils are taught in groups of twelve with a teacher and trained learning support assistant. The work is broken down into small achievable steps to help all our pupils achieve. Life skills and personal, social, health and citizenship play a great part in the secondary curriculum. All pupils have a food technology lesson, and all follow a life skills programme.

For the Years 10 and 11 pupils, this leads to the ASDAN qualification. All our Year 11 pupils gained an ASDAN qualification this year. The life skills involves learning to travel and shop independently, and independent living skills. The pupils are encouraged to make the right choices and decisions in school life through our behaviour policy and citizenship sessions.

Communication plays a great part in the secondary curriculum. The school staff work closely with the speech and language therapy team. A trained speech and language learning support assistant enhances the communication and English as an additional language needs.

Information communication technology (ICT) is a key part of our curriculum.Parents and carers are invited to join in this process through the use of the school’s ICT suite once a week. Pupils enjoy art throughout the department, and follow an art course for the college link programme.

Ofsted

"Leaders and staff work seamlessly together to ensure that pupils access the very best provision. As a result, the school makes a considerable difference to the education and life chances of its pupils."